In conjunction with World Refugee Day, Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders) Malaysia hosted a half-day event titled Building Bridges Towards Refugee Dignity on 10th June 2025 at the Asian International Arbitration Centre, Kuala Lumpur. The event aimed to foster dialogue and advocacy around refugee rights, access to healthcare, and inclusive policy development.
Universiti Malaya Representation
The Department of Social and Preventive Medicine (SPM), Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, was represented by Prof. Dr Victor Hoe, Assoc. Prof. Dr Tharani Loganathan and Dr Bala Murali. Their participation underscored the department’s ongoing commitment to refugee health, public health equity, and collaborative engagement with humanitarian and policy-driven initiatives in Malaysia.
Event Highlights
The programme commenced with a screening of Lost at Sea, setting a powerful tone for the refugee experience. This was followed by opening remarks delivered by YAM Tunku Zain Al-‘Abidin ibni Tuanku Muhriz, Founder of the Institute for Democracy and Economic Affairs (IDEAS), who emphasised the moral and civic responsibility to uphold refugee dignity and rights in Malaysia and the a welcome address from Aymen Abdullah, Head of Mission for Doctors Without Borders Malaysia.
A key feature of the event was the expert panel discussion moderated by Lilianne Fan of the Geutanyoe Foundation. Panellists included:
- Dr Sara Ruth (Medicines Sans Frontiers, Malaysia)
- Hafsar Tameesuddin (Asia Pacific Refugee Rights Network)
- Charles Santiago (ASEAN Parliamentarians for Human Rights)
- Mawar Abd Latiff (Content Forum)
These discussions explored critical themes, such as access to healthcare for refugees, policy gaps, and challenges in content moderation concerning refugee narratives.
Attendees also participated in a refugee artisans fair, showcasing refugee-led enterprises such as Thimble Collective, Mang Tha, and the Rohingya Women Development Network, reflecting the strength and resilience of refugee communities through entrepreneurship.
Reconnection and Partnership Opportunities
The networking lunch provided an invaluable opportunity for the UM delegation to reconnect with long-time collaborators and forge new relationships with representatives from non-governmental organisations, United Nations agencies, and the World Health Organization in Malaysia. These connections hold promise for future interdisciplinary research, advocacy, and public health interventions aligned with refugee welfare.
Reflecting on Public Health Implications
The event served as a timely reminder of the need for inclusive and rights-based public health strategies that address the specific needs of displaced populations. It also highlighted the essential role of academia in supporting evidence-based advocacy and fostering partnerships that bridge policy, practice, and community engagement.
Acknowledgement
The department acknowledges the organisers, Médecins Sans Frontières Malaysia, and supporting partner Geutanyoe Malaysia for creating a platform that promotes collaboration and awareness on refugee issues.
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